Page 31 of Tomorrow's Never Promised

Steam permeates the bedroom when I open the bathroom door. I grab my phone off the end table and lean against the headboard, scrolling back to the message between Madison and me:

Madison

Hi.

That one little word has been burning a hole into my retinasall damn day. I want to call her right now, but it’s already a quarter to twelve on Christmas night. It wouldn’t be right to disturb her and her family.

Maybe I won’t need my IT guy to look up her address…I guess it would be harmless to stalk social media like the rest of this generation does. I follow Leah on Instagram—mostly to keep an eye on Maddy when she took a year hiatus from the bar scene. It turns out, Leah rarely uses Instagram. Only a few pictures are posted on her page.

Against my better judgement, I cave and browse Leah’s page. I must be one lucky bastard. Leah just tagged Madison in a post, wishing her roommate ‘a very Merry Christmas’.Bingo. I click on her handle and her profile fills my screen. I tap her latest picture (which was posted 4 hours ago) at an Italian restaurant. Pulling up my browser, I do a quick Google search.Found ya, princess.

I decided to ask her to the Gala. The only way I can possibly get her to say yes is if I give her a few hours' notice. Everyone sees the side of Maddy that is controlled and calculated, the one that doesn’t take risks. But I get the pleasure of seeing the side of her that is spontaneous, that is dying for adventure. The part of her that wants someone else to take control, so she can let go for once.

It’s worth a shot showing up unannounced. I’m not below groveling at her feet and am prepared to do just that on New Year's Eve. I’ll show up at her front door and pray to God that she won’t slam it in my face.

* * *

It isNew Year’s Eve. I have been on edgeall day. It could be the three cups of coffee I already had. Most likely, it's about me confessing my truth to Madison.God, I hope she says yes.

The event organizers and staff are scattered around the penthouse, transforming it into a goddamn winter wonderland.

At two p.m.,I grab my keys off the dresser and sprint down the stairs. I pass Killian, heading in the opposite direction with a questioning look on his face.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry, brother?” His hand lands on my shoulder.

“I’m going to get my woman back.” I swirl the keyfob on my index finger, feeling uncertain but excited.

“Good for you, Liam. I’m assuming you’re asking her to the gala tonight?” He pats my shoulder twice.

“That’s the plan…unless she slams the door in my face. Which Ideserve.” A tremulous breath escapes me. I haven’t given much thought to what my night will look like if she wants nothing to do with me.

“I hope it all works out.” He holds out his hand.

“Thanks,” I shake it and pull him into a hug, slapping his back. “I’ll see you later, Kil.”

* * *

I pullup her driveway and take notice of the few cars parked there. I spot her Jeep, feeling confident that this is her house. I remember seeing her car in the driveway of her Connecticut house the night I came over. The black rhinestone license plate and crescent moon decal confirm it’s hers.

Wiping the moisture from my hands, I walk up the steps to her front door and ring the bell.Deep breaths, Liam. Doubt creeps into my mind as I think of what I am going to say to her.‘Hey, Maddy… I just wanted to say I was a real dick. I should have given you a choice. Please come with me to a gala tonight…I can’t live without you.’I’m certain she’ll slam the door in my face.Fuck. I run my hands through my hair as the front door opens.

A blonde middle-aged woman greets me, holding open the storm door. “Hello,” she says warily, taking in my leather jacket, black aviators, and motorcycle boots. “Can I help you?”

“Are you Mrs. Marrone?” I take my glasses off and tuck them into my jacket pocket. She looks even more concerned than she did before.

“Yes…what can I help you with?” she asks a little more rigidly.

Realizing I am already making a terrible impression on her mother, I reach my hand out, smiling. “I’m a good friend of Madison’s from Connecticut. I was in your neighborhood and wanted to stop by. Is she around?” My pulse accelerates with the thought of seeing her again.

Mrs. Marrone’s body visibly relaxes. Her eyes soften, “Oh, you just missed her! Maddy went out with her girlfriend to the salon. She is getting all dolled up for an event she is attending tonight with her boyfriend.”

My smile falters. And my heart sinks in my chest. She has aboyfriend…fuck.I’m too late.She should be kissingmeat midnight—not some drunk college kid. My mind begins making up scenarios in my head. Some eejit with his hands all over her, giving her sloppy kisses as the clock strikes twelve.Great job, arsehole. You let the best thing to walk into your life slip through your fingers. Only you are to blame for this.

“Will you also be attending the party tonight?” Her mother inquires, breaking me out of my downward spiral.

“I don’t believe we are.” My voice cracks at the end, with raw, ugly emotions threatening to surface. “Thank you, Mrs. Marrone. I’ll catch up with Madison another time.” I turn and trudge back to my car, feeling totally defeated.

I wokeup on New Year's Eve the way a kid would on Christmas morning. Full of excitement and impatience.Tonight is the gala. It is thrilling that I’ll be going to Killian’s home in New York City and meeting his family and friends. Knowing what I do now about him, there are some nerves rattling my bones as well. More suspense than anything.I can already feel his lust-filled eyes on me when I walk through the door.

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